Sending Money from Japan in 2026: What Works, What Doesn't, and Costs

Sending money from Japan as a foreign resident in 2026 comes down to three practical options: online transfer services like Wise and Revolut, bank-based services like SBI Remit, and traditional bank wires. For most people, Wise offers the best combination of low fees and real exchange rates, but SBI Remit can be cheaper for certain corridors like Thailand or China, and traditional bank transfers are the fallback when you need to send to a bank account that online services don't cover. The key is matching the service to your destination country, the amount, and your documents — not every service accepts every foreign resident, and some require a Japanese bank account or a residence card (在留カード).

Who this is for

This guide is for foreign residents in Japan — whether you're on a work visa, student visa, or permanent residency — who need to send money to another country. The answer changes based on your visa status because some services require a valid residence card and a Japanese bank account, while others are more flexible. If you're a short-term visitor or tourist, most of these services won't work because they require proof of residence in Japan. If you're a Japanese citizen living abroad, the same services apply, but you may face different document requirements.

Who this is for — Photo by Chris Chan on Unsplash

The answer up front

For most foreign residents, Wise is the best all-around choice for sending money from Japan: it uses the mid-market exchange rate, charges a transparent fee, and supports many countries. However, if you're sending to Thailand, SBI Remit often has lower fees and faster delivery to Thai banks. Revolut is a good alternative if you already use it for spending, but its Japan remittance features are more limited. Traditional bank transfers are the most expensive and slowest, but they work for any bank account worldwide. Always check the current fees and rates on the official sites before you send, as they change frequently.

The answer up front — Photo by takahiro taguchi on Unsplash

Conditions where it WORKS

• Wise works well for sending to the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and many other countries. It's especially good for amounts under ¥1,000,000 because the fee is a percentage of the amount, and the exchange rate is the real mid-market rate. You need a Japanese bank account (or you can pay by debit card) and a residence card.
• SBI Remit works best for sending to Thailand, China, and other Asian countries. It offers flat fees for certain corridors, and you can send to bank accounts or even mobile wallets in some countries. It requires a Japanese bank account and a residence card.
• Revolut works for sending to countries where Revolut has local account details, like the UK, US, and Europe. You can hold multiple currencies and convert at interbank rates up to a monthly limit. It requires a Japanese phone number and a residence card for verification.
• Traditional bank transfers work for any bank account in the world, but they are slow (3-5 business days) and expensive (often ¥4,000-¥8,000 per transfer plus intermediary fees).

Conditions where it WORKS — Photo by Alex Knight on Unsplash

Conditions where it does NOT work

• Wise does not support sending to all countries — for example, it may not support sending to certain African or Middle Eastern countries. Also, if you don't have a Japanese bank account, you can't use Wise's bank transfer option; you'd have to use a debit card, which incurs a higher fee.
• SBI Remit is not available for sending to all countries — it focuses on Asia, and some corridors may be restricted. Also, if you're a temporary visitor (tourist visa), you cannot open an SBI Remit account because it requires a residence card.
• Revolut does not support sending to all countries, and its Japan remittance feature is not as full-featured as Wise or SBI Remit. For example, you can't send to a Thai bank account directly; you'd need to convert to THB and then use a separate service.
• Traditional bank transfers are not cost-effective for small amounts, and they require you to provide the recipient's bank details, which can be error-prone. Also, some Japanese banks may require you to visit a branch in person for the first transfer.

Documents / prerequisites needed

• Residence card (在留カード / zairyu card): Required for all online services. You must have a valid residence card with a valid status of residence.
• Japanese bank account: Required for Wise, SBI Remit, and Revolut (for bank transfers). You'll need to link your Japanese bank account to the service.
• My Number (マイナンバー): Some services may ask for your My Number for tax purposes, but it's not always required for remittance.
• Passport: Often required for identity verification, especially for Revolut.
• Proof of address: Some services may ask for a utility bill or other proof of your Japanese address.

Total cost

Costs vary by service and destination. Here's a breakdown based on public data as of August 2026:

• Wise: Fee is a percentage of the amount (typically 0.5-1% depending on currency), plus a fixed fee for some currencies. The exchange rate is the mid-market rate. For example, sending ¥100,000 to the US might cost around ¥1,000-¥2,000 in fees. Check the current fee on the Wise website.
• SBI Remit: Fees are often flat per transfer, e.g., ¥1,000-¥2,500 depending on the destination. For Thailand, the fee might be ¥1,000, and the exchange rate is close to the mid-market rate. Check the current fee on the SBI Remit website.
• Revolut: Free up to a monthly limit (e.g., ¥100,000 or equivalent), then a 0.5% fee above that. The exchange rate is the interbank rate. Check the current limits on the Revolut website.
• Traditional bank transfer: Fees range from ¥4,000 to ¥8,000 per transfer, plus intermediary bank fees (which can be ¥2,000-¥5,000). The exchange rate is often 2-3% worse than the mid-market rate.

One-off vs monthly: All services charge per transfer, but some have monthly limits that affect the fee. For example, Revolut's free limit resets monthly. There are no subscription fees for these services.

Tax-included vs excluded: Fees are typically tax-included (consumption tax is included in the fee). No additional taxes are charged on the transfer itself.

Normal price vs campaign price: Some services run promotions, like free transfers for new users. Check the official websites for current campaigns.

Step-by-step procedure

1. Choose a service based on your destination and amount. For most, Wise is a good start.
2. Create an account on the service's website or app. You'll need to provide your email, phone number, and personal details.
3. Verify your identity by uploading a photo of your residence card and a selfie. Some services may also require a passport.
4. Link your Japanese bank account by providing your bank account number and confirming a small deposit (usually within 1-2 business days).
5. Set up a transfer: Enter the recipient's bank details (name, account number, SWIFT/BIC, etc.) and the amount you want to send.
6. Review the fees and exchange rate — always check the total cost before confirming.
7. Confirm the transfer and wait for it to be processed. Wise typically takes 1-2 business days, SBI Remit can be same-day for some corridors, and bank transfers take 3-5 business days.
8. Track the transfer in the app or website.

Failure cases

• Incorrect recipient details: If you enter the wrong account number or SWIFT code, the transfer may be delayed or returned. You'll see an error message or the transfer will be stuck in "processing."
• Bank account not linked: If you don't confirm the small deposit, you can't send money. You'll see a message like "Bank account not verified."
• Residence card expired: If your residence card expires, the service may freeze your account. You'll need to update your documents.
• Transfer limit exceeded: Some services have daily or monthly limits. If you exceed them, the transfer will be rejected.
• Recipient bank doesn't accept the currency: For example, if you send USD to a bank that only accepts local currency, the transfer may be converted at a poor rate or rejected.

Alternatives

• Do nothing: If you don't need to send money urgently, you could wait for a better exchange rate or a promotion.
• Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees: Some cards allow you to spend abroad without fees, but this doesn't help with sending cash.
• Use a local money transfer service like Western Union: Available in Japan, but fees are often higher than online services.
• Use a cryptocurrency exchange: Not recommended for most due to volatility and regulatory complexity.

Comparison table

Who should skip this entirely

If you're a tourist or short-term visitor without a residence card, you cannot use these online services. Also, if you're sending a very small amount (under ¥10,000), the fees may not be worth it — consider using cash or a prepaid card. If you need to send money to a country not supported by Wise or SBI Remit, you'll need to use a bank transfer or a specialized service.

Verification date and official sources

This article was verified on 2026-08-17. Fees and rates are subject to change. Always check the official websites for current information:

• Wise
• Revolut
• SBI Remit (official site)
• Japan Life Lab guide
• Expatica guide
• VisaSHOGUN guide
• Expat Japan guide
• The Standard Japan banking guide

Risk disclosure: Sending money abroad involves foreign exchange risk and fees. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always check the latest terms and conditions on the official websites.

FAQ

Can I send money from Japan to China using Wise?

Yes, Wise supports sending to China, but the recipient must have a Chinese bank account. The transfer is usually in CNY, and the recipient may need to provide their bank details. Fees are around 1% of the amount, and the exchange rate is the mid-market rate. However, Wise may have limits on the amount you can send to China per transaction. Check the Wise website for current limits and fees.

What documents do I need to send money from Japan as a foreigner?

You need a valid residence card and a Japanese bank account. Some services like Revolut may also require a passport. You'll need to verify your identity by uploading a photo of your residence card and a selfie. The bank account must be in your name, and you'll need to confirm a small deposit to link it. If you're a temporary visitor, you cannot use these services.

How long does it take to send money from Japan to Thailand?

Using SBI Remit, transfers to Thailand can be same-day or next-day, depending on the time of day and the recipient's bank. Wise typically takes 1-2 business days. Traditional bank transfers take 3-5 business days. The speed also depends on the recipient's bank processing time. Check the service's website for estimated delivery times.

Is there a limit on how much money I can send from Japan?

Yes, there are limits. For Wise, the limit depends on your verification level and the destination country. SBI Remit has a daily limit (e.g., ¥1,000,000) and an annual limit (e.g., ¥20,000,000). Revolut has a monthly free limit, after which fees apply. Traditional bank transfers have no set limit, but the bank may require additional documentation for large amounts (over ¥10,000,000). Check the official websites for current limits.

Sources & Verification

Fact-checked on 2026-08-17:

• "Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and charges a transparent fee, making it a low-cost option for sending money from Japan." — https://wise.com/ (2026-08-17)
• "SBI Remit offers flat fees for certain corridors, such as Thailand, and can be cheaper than Wise for those destinations." — https://www.sbiremit.jp/ (2026-08-17)
• "Revolut offers free transfers up to a monthly limit, then charges a 0.5% fee, with interbank exchange rates." — https://www.revolut.com/ (2026-08-17)
• "Traditional bank transfers from Japan typically cost ¥4,000-¥8,000 in fees plus intermediary bank charges, and take 3-5 business days." — https://www.japanlifelab.com/send-money-from-japan-guide-2026/ (2026-08-17)
• "Foreign residents in Japan need a residence card (residence card) and a Japanese bank account to use online remittance services." — https://thestandardjapan.com/living/japan-banking-guide (2026-08-17)